What should I do if my dog keeps coughing?

There are several reasons why a dog might cough frequently. First, it could be due to foreign objects being swallowed and getting stuck, such as chicken bones or toys. This would cause the dog to continuously cough in an attempt to expel the object. Another possibility is that the dog has a respiratory disease, with mucus being produced in the bronchial or pulmonary bronchial tubes. Coughing is also a way for the dog to try to expel the mucus.

If your dog is constantly coughing, you need to first rule out the possibility of foreign objects. Check if your dog has swallowed small parts of toys or actual bones while playing. Bones like chicken bones can easily be broken into small fragments, which can get stuck in the dog's throat or even scratch the esophagus. This can be investigated through X-rays or barium contrast examinations. If the possibility of foreign objects is completely ruled out, you should consider whether the dog's trachea, bronchi, or lungs are causing the problem. Pay attention to whether young puppies might have contracted kennel cough. Test for systemic inflammation, and treat the symptoms accordingly. If there is systemic inflammation, anti-inflammatory treatment is necessary, along with timely supplementation of nutrition to boost the dog's resistance and promote recovery.

If there is a lot of mucus or the cough is severe, inhaled therapy can have good results. Furthermore, if the dog has a history of respiratory infections, it is possible that symptoms may recur. Always keep your dog warm, improve its immunity, vaccinate it, and avoid feeding it foods like chicken bones that are easily broken down. Inspect toys for any small parts that could easily fall off. It's best to take the dog to the vet for a timely examination when symptoms arise. Many diseases can have a poor prognosis or even result in death due to delayed treatment.